Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SgtPepper]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16713919

It seems the Korean government are having a problem identifying South Korea's defining characteristics. What do you reckon, what's iconic South Korea to you?

[BriTunes]

"A little cleaner than China, way dirtier than Japan."

[happiness]

let the people decide? on what? how they look to foriegners. everyone here knows they dont care unless a foriegner says something negative...then they get all in a huff, but then it dies back down.


ive been here for years, and i think they found it: market themselves to southeast asian countries as a market to look up to (Japan never really exported cultural properties, they have a lucrative market), and to the quaintness of the "old asia" to the japanese, keep selling their music and tv shows at reduced rates (supported by the K-govt) to get them on other countries channels, and take what profit you can.

Ive talked to 1000 people and I still dont know what Korea is about. I know what they want to become, but thats not what this convo is, its about what they can market...

[Squire]

It's hard to see how they can beat China and Japan at anything that will attract tourists. I like the outdoors in Korea but from what I've seen of China it can't compete on that front. Food? No. Historical attractions? I really liked Gyeongbokgung but it's not the Forbidden City. I suppose there is nothing like the DMZ anywhere in Asia, or the world for that matter.

It seems like the biggest problem is there is nothing iconic in South Korea that resonates with people in the same way as the Great Wall, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, St Basil's Cathedral etc. Now I think of it I don't think Japan has anything like that either, so perhaps Seoul can simply market itself as a cheaper Tokyo. But it's still very difficult to see why anyone would choose Seoul over Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo or the SE Asian countries in general.

[blurredphoto]

Is it possible for a government to market a nation?

When i think of my perceptions of France and Japan (the other two countries compared in the article), they have come from films, television, literature, and family members that traveled their and brought their impressions back. In other words, the national "brand" was established by people who spent time in the country and liked it enough to try and impress upon others the wonders of the country.

I'm skeptical about the idea that a well funded government campaign could garner the same results as a more organically built brand.

I'm not so sure that folks living in Korea are the best at identifying what makes this place special and unique.

All of my friends and family who have visited have all been surprised by the following:
1. Convenience of lifestyle (efficient subway system/buses, number of convenience stores, etc)
2. Vibrant restaurant/nightlife culture. Remember your first time at Gangnam station or walking around lost in Hongdae?
3. Polite/Curt/Passionate/No nonsense people. Koreans are a unique people definitely operate on a different wavelength than any other country's people

[english puppet]

[Squire]

Now I think of it the fact that places like China, Japan, Russia, the US, Britain, Scandinavia and the big western European countries have all been world powers at some point really eclipses anything South Korea could do now to put themselves out there. A history of being invaded isn't quite the same as the history of empire places like Turkey, Italy or Mongolia can claim. There's nothing like being spread across half of the world to develop awareness of your own culture

[fermentation]

[Dave Chance]

South Korea's government has been trying to change the country's international image - or rather its lack of one - for years.

And even those involved - like Peter Kim, brand manager for the Seoul government - admit it has been a tough sell.

"We're among the world's 13 largest economies," he said. "But we still don't have our own unique brand."

Maybe because you aren't unique.

Essentially, throw influences from China (Joseon's master), Japan and the US (the 20th-21st c. masters) into a blender and you get Korea.

The master leads, and the servant follows, simple as that, really.

[atwood]

I agree with the above poster that the problem is that there's very little that's unique about Korea. I just got back from Cambodia and Angkor Wat etc. and Korea has nothing comparable.

Maybe they can build the world's best/largest duty free shop.